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Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

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This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is a creamy, flavorful dish with tender chicken in a rich, spiced tomato sauce. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests with its delicious flavors in under an hour.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon sweet paprika

½ teaspoon curry powder

1 tablespoon Greek yogurt

3 tablespoons vegetable oil

3 tablespoons butter, divided

6 garlic cloves, minced

1 medium onion, diced

1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce

1 teaspoon sugar

½ teaspoon black pepper

2 cups heavy cream

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

1 teaspoon garam masala

½ teaspoon curry powder

¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Naan bread and steamed rice, for serving

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine chicken, salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
  2. Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium, add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet, and scrape any browned bits. Add the garlic, onion, and a pinch of salt. Sauté until the onion is translucent.
  4. Stir in the tomato sauce and sugar. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, then return the chicken to the skillet. Mix well and pour in the heavy cream.
  5. Add cayenne pepper, garam masala, curry powder, and black pepper. Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, adjusting seasoning to taste.
  6. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt for a silky finish. Garnish with chopped parsley.
  7. Serve with naan bread and steamed rice. Enjoy!

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with paneer or tofu.
  • Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the cayenne pepper.
  • For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream and plant-based butter.
  • If you prefer a smoky flavor, add smoked paprika to the marinade.
  • Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Indian
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 38g
  • Saturated Fat: 17g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 45g
  • Cholesterol: 140mg